Episode 3: What is hardware?

When people talk about hardware in technology procurement, they often think of laptops, mobile phones, or servers. Most of us use at least one of these every day, so it feels familiar. But when you break hardware down into its essentials, it becomes much easier to understand what you’re actually buying and why it matters.

This guide breaks down the three core components that define almost every piece of hardware. By understanding these basics, procurement teams can make clearer, more confident decisions.

What hardware really is

At its simplest, hardware is any physical device used for computing. While the term covers everything from mobile phones to enterprise servers, the fundamentals remain the same. Here is a simple human analogy to describe hardware, making it easy to remember.

The three core components of hardware

1. CPU – The brain of the device

Every piece of hardware includes a CPU, which acts like the brain. The faster and more advanced the CPU, the quicker the device can process information.

For procurement, CPU type and performance are essential considerations. A faster CPU means faster calculations, faster processing, and ultimately faster performance for users.

2. RAM – The short-term memory

RAM works like a human’s short-term memory. The more RAM a device has, the more information it can recall and work with quickly.

More RAM generally means smoother performance, especially for multitasking or data-heavy applications.

3. Storage – The long-term memory

Storage (historically called “disk”) is like a notepad. It’s where information is written down so it can be recalled later. Your phone storing thousands of photos is a perfect example.

A device doesn’t need to hold everything in its memory all the time, so storage acts as long-term support for what the CPU and RAM need to access occasionally.

What procurement teams should consider when buying hardware

Beyond the technical specs, hardware procurement comes with wider implications that organisations need to plan for.

Lead times and sustainability

Most hardware is manufactured overseas using rare materials. This means:

• Sustainability considerations are increasingly important.

• Lead times can be unpredictable.

• Organisations need to plan ahead to avoid delays.

Maintenance and lifecycle costs

Technology evolves quickly, so older hardware becomes harder and more expensive to maintain. Entire industries exist purely to support ageing devices.

Procurement teams should factor in:

• Maintenance requirements

• Availability of spares

• Warranty considerations

• Installation and setup needs

Balancing power, cost, and practicality

Ultimately, purchasing hardware comes down to buying the right level of CPU, RAM, and storage, delivered within the timeframe you need, and supported throughout its lifecycle.

Final thoughts

This breakdown shows that hardware doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you understand the core components and procurement implications, it becomes far easier to choose the right devices for your organisation.

If you’d like advice on how to make smarter, more strategic decisions when procuring hardware for your organisation, get in touch.